Islam is official religion of the UAE. Read about the entities in charge of the religious affairs.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar. It is regarded as the holiest month of the year as it was the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Ramadan arrives as per the Islamic lunar calendar, which has 354 days. Hence, it arrives 11 days earlier in every subsequent year of the Gregorian calendar.
The Ramadan traditions in the UAE start mid-Shaaban (the month preceding Ramadan). This day is known as Hagg Al-Layla. Emirati children dress in their best clothes and go to houses in the neighbouring areas reciting songs and poems. The neighbours welcome them with sweets and nuts. Read how Ramadan is observed in the UAE.
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